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Well, I've been thinking of heading up there this late spring/summer, using my travel trailer as "home" while I check out as much of the state as possible to get an idea of where I'd like to live should I move there. I can look at towns and land on the internet until I'm blue in the face, but only a visit in person can really answer all of the questions I have.

I'm not a fan of high priced, formal campgrounds. I use them from time to time for hookups, dumping, and showering, but I like to "boondock" for free most of the time. It helps me keep my expenses to a minimum. Which brings me to the question in the title of this post: would I be better served to sell my travel trailer (17'), and buy a cabover camper to make it easier to boondock, or can I feasibly find places to park and sleep in the trailer? I can leave it hooked up to the truck- that is no problem- I just worry about the length, and finding appropriate areas to "pull off the road", etc. With the cabover, something the size of a parking place will suffice. Having not been to AK, I don't really know what to expect. I will be everywhere from the Kenai peninsula to as far north as the roads will take me.

I'd like to hear others thoughts as I don't know what to expect. I do understand that there will likely be tons of RV'ers competing for space and services, and so any insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

for many years hubby and I traveled in a Volkswagon Euro Van modified....we made a bed platform from plywood that interlocked with slots so that there were storage areas under the platform for milk crates and such. threw a futon mattress on top....had a tent like canopy that draped over the back hatch when raised open and an awning on the side over the sliding door! worked great!! carried a 5 gal. bucket with plastic bags and a snap of toilet seat for those "oh no" times....made magnetic screens that went on the outside of the windows so we had everything open for air!!! be cleaver..it saves a lot of money!

I've been thinking about the idea of a stealth van. The smaller you get, the more options you have. You can park it in places where people wouldn't even think of camping.

On the other hand, the smaller you get, the more primitive you are as well. You wouldn't have a self contained shower/toilet for example.

Handy though.

This is what I'm contending with, Marty. I have pretty much the smallest travel trailer possible which still includes a shower. A cabover would further limit my space, but would be more advantageous in terms of parking, etc. But, I would lose storage, too. With the travel trailer, I can also haul an 8 foot bed full of supplies, and also keep things in the trailer. I'm really hemming and hawing over this decision. The reason being- I'd love to bring most of the stuff I need to live, and if by luck or chance I was able to meet people and land a job, I could just stay, and not have to worry about going back and getting a bunch of stuff. Hmmm.

This is what I'm contending with, Marty. I have pretty much the smallest travel trailer possible which still includes a shower. A cabover would further limit my space, but would be more advantageous in terms of parking, etc. But, I would lose storage, too. With the travel trailer, I can also haul an 8 foot bed full of supplies, and also keep things in the trailer. I'm really hemming and hawing over this decision. The reason being- I'd love to bring most of the stuff I need to live, and if by luck or chance I was able to meet people and land a job, I could just stay, and not have to worry about going back and getting a bunch of stuff. Hmmm.

good plan....take the travel trailer if you've got it worked out that you can stay if you find a job!!

You can always park the travel trailer in my yard next to the pond whilst your skipping around the peninsula. I've got room in my driveway...and I back my 18' car hauler and boat trailer in no problemo.
I could even run an extension cord out if you need power, and a garden hose if you need water.
There are some places in my area free for camping with your setup...but most of the state campgrounds charge a fee. A few have dumps and very few have water weels to refill.

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